5 ways to get more plumbing customers

Growing a plumbing business requires consistent marketing and excellent service. Here are five proven strategies to generate more leads and book more jobs.

1. Dominate local search

When pipes burst, people search. Be the first result.

Google Business Profile optimization:

• Complete every section thoroughly

• Add photos of your work and team

• List all services offered

• Update business hours accurately

• Post updates regularly

Review generation:

• Ask every satisfied customer

• Send follow-up text with review link

• Respond to all reviews professionally

• Address negative reviews constructively

Local SEO basics:

• Include city names on your website

• Create service area pages

• Build local citations

• Ensure NAP consistency everywhere

2. Capture emergency calls

Emergency work is highest margin. Win these calls.

Emergency visibility:

• Advertise 24/7 availability prominently

• Dedicated emergency phone line

• Fast response to inquiries

• Premium pricing communicated upfront

Emergency conversion:

• Answer calls immediately (or call back in minutes)

• Ask the right questions quickly

• Give clear pricing and timing

• Dispatch immediately when possible

Building emergency reputation:

• Deliver exceptional emergency service

• Ask for reviews after emergency calls

• Share emergency success stories

• Build word-of-mouth reputation

3. Build a referral engine

Happy customers send their friends and neighbors.

Referral program structure:

• Offer $50-100 for successful referrals

• Provide discount for referred customer

• Make referring easy

• Thank referrers promptly

When to ask for referrals:

• After completing quality work

• When customers express satisfaction

• In follow-up communications

• On invoices and receipts

Track and reward:

• Log referral sources

• Recognize top referrers

• Calculate referral ROI

• Adjust program based on results

4. Partner with related businesses

Strategic partnerships generate steady referrals.

High-value partners:

• Real estate agents: Home inspections, pre-sale repairs

• Property managers: Maintenance and emergency work

• Builders/contractors: New construction and renovations

• HVAC companies: Cross-referrals

• Insurance companies: Water damage repairs

Partnership approach:

• Offer partner pricing or commissions

• Provide excellent service to their referrals

• Communicate promptly and professionally

• Return referrals when possible

5. Leverage repeat business

Past customers are your easiest sales.

Stay in touch:

• Annual maintenance reminders

• Seasonal plumbing tips

• Special offers for past customers

• Holiday greetings

Maintenance programs:

• Annual inspection service

• Priority emergency response

• Discounted rates for members

• Predictable recurring revenue

Customer database:

• Track all customer history

• Note property details and past work

• Set follow-up reminders

• Personalize communications

Additional growth tactics

Online advertising:

• Google Ads for "plumber near me"

• Facebook ads targeting homeowners

• Retarget website visitors

Branding and visibility:

• Professional truck wraps

• Uniforms for all staff

• Yard signs at job sites

• Professional website

Community presence:

• Sponsor local sports teams

• Participate in community events

• Support local charities

• Join business networking groups

Growth metrics to track

• Lead volume by source

• Quote-to-job conversion rate

• Average job value

• Customer acquisition cost

• Referral rate

• Repeat customer rate

Key takeaways

• Local search is your most important channel

• Emergency work is highest margin

• Referrals are your lowest-cost leads

• Partnerships provide steady referral flow

• Past customers are your easiest sales